If you’ve lived in Florida for any length of time, you know hurricanes are part of life. But there was a period not that long ago when we caught a lengthy break. From 2006 through 2015, Florida avoided a direct hit from a hurricane. It was strange going through season after season without a major impact.
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Then came 2016, and that quiet streak ended.
That year became a real wake-up call for many Floridians. We saw Tropical Storm Colin and Hurricane Hermine remind us of something important: it doesn’t take a major hurricane to create big problems. In fact, some of the most damaging impacts we’ve experienced over the past decade haven’t come from extreme winds, but from the water these storms bring.
Hermine is a great example. Parts of the Big Bend saw more than 22 inches of rain, along with 8 to 9 feet of storm surge. The flooding was significant, and it reinforced a lesson we continue to stress today: it’s not just about the category of a storm; it’s about the impact it has on people and communities.
There’s no such thing as “just” a tropical storm. Every system brings numerous threats, whether it’s flooding rain, storm surge, tornadoes or damaging winds.
Later that same year, Hurricane Matthew came within 30 miles of Florida’s east coast, causing coastal damage and storm surge. 2016 marked the start of a pattern we’re still seeing today: it’s no longer unusual for Florida to be affected by storms every single season.
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Check out this timeline:
2016 brought Colin, Hermine and Matthew.
2017 saw Irma’s statewide impacts, along with indirect effects from Maria.
In 2018, Michael rapidly intensified into a catastrophic Category 5 hurricane.
2019 brought Dorian’s close call offshore, along with flooding and tornado threats from Humberto and Nestor.
2020 was a record-breaking season with storms like Isaias, Sally and Eta.
In 2021, Elsa and Mindy came to the Gulf Coast.
2022 delivered the devastating impacts of Ian, followed later by Nicole.
2023 brought Idalia and significant storm surge along the west coast.
And in 2024, we dealt with Debby, Milton and Helene.
As for how many storms we could see in our area this season, we always come back to the same message: it only takes one storm to change lives forever. Whether it’s one storm or several, any number above zero can be disruptive.
That’s why we encourage everyone to prepare now, while the season is still quiet. And through every storm over the past decade, we’ve been here with you, providing coverage backed by one of the largest certified weather teams in the country.
Our commitment remains the same: accurate forecasts, trusted information, and helping you to “Be Prepared, Not Scared.”
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